Automatic sensing power systems and methods

ABSTRACT

An automatic sensing power system automatically determines a power requirement for an electrical device, converts power to the required level, and outputs the power to the electrical device when the electrical device is connected to the automatic sensing power system

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/334,078, filed Jan. 18, 2006, entitled Automatic Sensing PowerSystems and Methods, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/983,507, filed Nov. 5, 2004, entitled Automatic SensingPower Systems and Methods, which takes priority to U.S. Patent App. No.60/518,374, filed Nov. 7, 2003, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systemsand Methods, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference, and is related to co-pending, co-owned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/334,143, filed Jan. 18, 2006, entitled AutomaticSensing Power Systems and Methods, U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/334,084, filed Jan. 18, 2006, entitled Automatic Sensing PowerSystems and Methods, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/334,132, filedJan. 18, 2006, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/334,082, filed Jan. 18, 2006,entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/334,094, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,242,111, filed Jan.18, 2006, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/334,098, filed Jan. 18, 2006, entitledAutomatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/746,391, filed May 9, 2007, entitled Automatic Sensing PowerSystems and Methods, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/752,846,filed May 23, 2007, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems andMethods, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

This application also is related to co-pending, co-owned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/777,224, entitled Automatic Sensing PowerSystems and Methods, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/777,207,entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/777,209, entitled Automatic Sensing PowerSystems and Methods, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/777,212,entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/777,229, entitled Automatic Sensing PowerSystems and Methods, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/777,216,entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/777,217, entitled Automatic Sensing PowerSystems and Methods, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/777,227,entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, all of which arefiled on the same date as this application, the entire contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The proliferation of electronic and electrical devices is a key factorfueling an ever-increasing demand for additional alternating current(AC) outlets at home, on the road, and in the workplace. Often there aretoo many devices and not enough outlets. Additionally, devices includingcalculators, phones, and laptops use AC to direct current (DC) powerconverters (commonly called wall-bricks) to connect to AC power outlets.Due to their non-standard bulky form-factors, wall-bricks often take upmore than one outlet, exacerbating outlet-shortage problems and drivingusers to seek solutions.

A popular remedy is to use multi-outlet power strips. However, thesepower strips provide an ineffective solution because they fail toadequately address all of the problems created by, and associated with,the increasing prevalence and use of wall-bricks.

For example, a user who owns six devices buys a power strip. Whileconnecting the equipment, the user realizes that two devices usewall-bricks. Upon plugging the bricks into the power strip, the userdiscovers that only two or three of the six outlets remain open, leavingat least one outlet short. After spending $25-$200, the user expected tobe able to use all the outlets, but now must buy one or more additionalpower strips to plug-in the remaining devices.

Low-cost power strips provide additional outlets, but do not adequatelycondition or stabilize incoming power, increasing the risk of equipmentmalfunction or outright failure. Moderate to high priced surgeprotectors perform well, but bulky wall-bricks often cover multipleoutlets, reducing the number of devices that can be connected.

Additionally, wall-bricks often generate heat and electricalinterference in addition to passing along the ambient AC conducted sags,spikes, surges, and noise generated by the power-grid and carried alongAC power-lines throughout industrial, office, and residential settings.Electrical power disturbance events cause data loss and damageequipment. Wall-bricks pack and travel poorly, create cable-clutter, andare an eyesore.

Damaged equipment and downtime costs are a growing concern among users.As technology has advanced, business, commerce, home, and industrialusers have become increasingly dependant on the health of the networksthat supply and manipulate data and information. Additionally, thegrowing emphasis on network speed and the sheer volume of transactionsthat can take place in a fraction of a second make the prospect ofdowntime that much more ominous. The cost to business and industry ofhuman or naturally caused power surges and outages has becomesubstantially more detrimental.

It is clear from the statistical evidence that power conditioning is avital issue and one whose importance is only going to increase. Clean,constant, noise-free power is required to ensure the proper operation,and to protect the delicate circuitry, of today's electronic andelectrical devices.

Presently, systems and methods are needed that simultaneously solveoutlet-shortage and transient voltage surge and noise problems. Newsystems and methods are needed to eliminate wall-brick issues and otheridentified problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, an automatic sensing system and method include aline-cord power device configured to convey power between a power sourcethat generates alternating current (AC) power and an electrical devicehaving a connection. The line-cord power device has an AC to directcurrent (DC) regulator configured to receive the AC power and to convertthe AC power to DC power having a first DC voltage level. The line-cordpower device also has a plurality of DC receptacles, wherein at leastone DC receptacle is configured to receive the connection from theelectrical device. The line-cord power device includes a processorconfigured to identify when the electrical device connection isconnected to the at least one DC receptacle, to identify a second DCvoltage level required for the electrical device, and to generate asignal to configure a DC power output to the at least one DC receptacleat the second DC voltage level. The line-cord power device also includesa DC to DC regulator configured to receive the signal from the processorand, in response thereto, to convert the DC power from the first DCvoltage level to the second DC voltage level and to generate the DCpower to the at least one DC receptacle at the second DC voltage level.In another embodiment, the line-cord device includes one or more ACreceptacles. In another embodiment, the line-cord device has adetachable wall plug device with one or more DC receptacles and one ormore AC receptacles. The detachable wall plug device is configured toconnect to the line-cord device and/or to connect to the power source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an automatic sensing power system with adetachable module in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an automatic sensing power system with adetachable module in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an automatic sensing power system in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an automatic sensing power system communicatingwith one or more electrical devices and an electrical supply inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an automatic sensing power system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of another automatic sensing power system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another automatic sensing power system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of another automatic sensing power system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of another automatic sensing power systemcommunicating with a computing device and an electrical device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of another automatic sensing power system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of another automatic sensing power system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of another automatic sensing power system with adetachable module in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a top view of another automatic sensing power system with adetachable module in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of another automatic sensing power system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a top view of a line-cord automatic sensing device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a top view of another line-cord automatic sensing device witha connector and adaptors in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 17 is a top view of other line-cord automatic sensing devices withconnectors and DC adaptors in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 18 is a front view of rack/cabinet mount automatic sensing devicesin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a front view of a modular power receptacle in a modular wallunit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a front view of a modular wall unit with modular automaticsensing power system receptacles in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 21 is a front view of modular automatic sensing power systemreceptacles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a front view of modular automatic sensing power systemreceptacles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 23-43 are screen views of a user interface used with an automaticsensing power system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The automatic sensing power systems and methods enable alternatingcurrent (AC) to direct current (DC) power conversion, DC to DC powerconversion and supply, data communication, and power management. In oneembodiment, an automatic sensing power system (ASPS) component isembedded in an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, and a powerdelivery component resides in an ASPS, such as a power strip or areceptacle.

In one embodiment, upon connection to the ASPS, the laptop communicatesits power requirements to the ASPS via a power cord. The ASPS processesthe request and supplies the appropriate power. Inexpensive low voltageelectrical cords and modular adapters replace the wall-bricks typicallysupplied with cell and desk phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs),computers, mobile phones, digital cameras, cordless drills, faxmachines, and other electrical devices. The ASPS is programmable andupgradeable.

The ASPS solves many problems currently encountered by home, office, andindustrial consumers. The ASPS couples with single and multi-receptacleplug-in and hard-wired surge suppression devices, AC/DC power convertersand transformers, and a wide-range of electronic and electricalappliances, tools, and devices.

In one embodiment, the ASPS eliminates wall-bricks by placing modular DCreceptacles in a power system. The power system has AC and DCreceptacles in one unit, thereby eliminating the need for multiple powerstrips. The power system includes communication and networkinginterfaces and systems over which communications may be transmitted,such as through Bluetooth, Ethernet, Firewire, and/or a USB connection.In this embodiment, the ASPS includes expanded data line protection,such as for cable, DSL, Ethernet, and modem protection. In anotherembodiment, the ASPS integrates gateway, network, and routercapabilities. Another embodiment incorporates data communication over abroadband connection. In one example, electronic devices communicatewith and through the power system via a DC connector or an AC connector.

In another embodiment, the ASPS includes a line-cord device with adetachable wall plug device. Once detached, the wall-plug device can bemoved between rooms or offices or taken on the road to replacewall-bricks.

FIGS. 1-3 depict an exemplary embodiment of an automatic sensing powersystem (ASPS). In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the ASPS 102 includes aline-cord device 104 and a detachable wall plug device 106. Theline-cord device 104 has a housing 108, and the detachable wall plugdevice 106 has a housing 110. In other embodiments, the ASPS 102 may beonly a wall plug device, only a line-cord device, or a combinationthereof. The ASPS 102 also may be embodied in other forms, such as amodular wall plug permanently installed or removably installed in placeof a wall receptacle, an alternating current (AC) wall receptacle, oranother AC or direct current (DC) device.

The ASPS 102 may be incorporated in, for example, an electronic device,such as a computer, a laptop computer, a pocket PC, a personal digitalassistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a recording device, or anotherelectrical device. As used herein, an electrical device means a devicethat operates using electricity, including AC and/or DC electricity.Similarly, electrical devices may use a portion of the ASPS systemsidentified below, including those electrical devices previously listedand other electrical devices.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, the line-cord device 104 includes one ormore AC receptacles 112-126. Each AC receptacle 112-126 includes a powercontrol/indicator 128-142, such as a physical or logical on/off switchused to enable or disable power flow to the associated AC receptacle112-126. In one embodiment, the power control/indicators 128-142 arelighted switches. In another embodiment, the lighted switches arelighted when power is enabled to the AC receptacle, and not lighted whenpower is not enabled to the receptacle. In another embodiment, the powercontrol/indicator 128-142 is only an indicator, such as a light, and isnot used to enable or disable power to the associated receptacle112-126. For example, a processor within the ASPS 102 may be used toenable or disable power to a receptacle, and the power control/indicator128-142 indicates whether or not power is enabled or disabled for thatreceptacle. In still another embodiment, the power control/indicator128-142 is configured to enable and disable power to the associatedreceptacle, and the power control/indicator includes an indicator, suchas a light, to indicate whether power is enabled for the receptacleeither by the physical power control or by a processor or other systemor method.

The line-cord device 104 also includes one or more automatic sensing(AS) DC receptacles 144-148. The AS DC receptacles 144-148 may be usedby devices for which the power requirements, including voltage and/oramperage requirements, will be automatically determined. The powerrequirements for the electrical device connected to the AS DCreceptacles 144-148 then will be provided to the electrical device, aswill be explained more completely below.

The AS DC receptacles 144-148 also have an associated powercontrol/indicator 150-154 such as a physical or logical on/off switchused to enable or disable power flow to the associated DC receptacle144-148. In one embodiment, the power/control indicators 150-154 arelighted switches. In another embodiment, the lighted switches arelighted when power is enabled to the DC receptacle, and not lighted whenpower is not enabled to the receptacle. In another embodiment, the powercontrol/indicator 150-154 is only an indicator, such as a light, and isnot used to enable or disable power to the associated receptacle144-148. For example, a processor within the ASPS 102 may be used toenable or disable power to a receptacle, and the power control/indicator150-154 depicts whether or not power is enabled or disabled for thatreceptacle. In still another embodiment, the power control/indicator150-154 is configured to enable and disable power to the associatedreceptacle, and the power control/indicator includes an indicator, suchas a light, to indicate whether power is enabled for the receptacleeither by the physical power control or by a processor or another systemor method.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the line-cord device 104 also has a mainpower control/indicator 156. The main power control/indicator 156 isused to enable or disable power to the line-cord device 104. In oneembodiment, the main power control/indicator 156 includes a fuse deviceconfigured to disable power to the line-cord device 104 if power to theline-cord device exceeds selected voltage and/or selected amperagerequirements. In another embodiment, the main power/control indicator156 includes a surge protection device and/or other voltage and/oramperage protection devices.

The ASPS 102 also includes an electrical connector 158 configured totransfer power from an electrical supply to the ASPS 102. In oneembodiment, the electrical connector 158 also is configured tocommunicate data to and from the ASPS 102.

In one embodiment, the ASPS 102 includes a reset control 160. The resetcontrol 160 is used to reset the ASPS 102, in some instances, if a fuseor other device in the ASPS disables power to the ASPS.

In one embodiment, the ASPS 102 includes a data in port 162 and/or adata out port 164. The data ports 162-164 are used to communicate datato and from the ASPS 102, such as to a computing device, another datadevice, or another electrical device. The ASPS 102 may use one or morecommunication protocols to transfer data to and from the ASPS.

In one embodiment, the ASPS 102 includes a phone in port 166 and/or aphone out port 168. The phone ports 166-168 are used to communicatevoice and/or data communications over a telephone or telephone-relatedcommunication device.

In another embodiment, as best depicted in FIG. 3, the ASPS 102 includesa data communication port 170. The data communication port 170 is usedto communicate process data, control data, control instructions, updatedata, electrical device data, and other data with a processing device, acomputing device, or another device. In one embodiment, the datacommunication port 170 is a universal serial bus (USB) port.

In another embodiment, other data communication connectors may be used.As best depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3, other data communication connections172 and 174 are used to communicate data to and from the ASPS 102 invarious formats and using various protocols. In one example, the dataconnections 172-174 include one or more cable ports, such as an in andout cable connection. Other types of data connections, networkingconnections, device connections, and/or device controllers may be used.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the detachable wall plug device 106includes AS DC receptacles 176-180. The AS DC receptacles 176-180 havean associated power control/indicator 182-186. The AS DC receptacles176-180 and the power control/indicators 182-186 are the same as thosedescribed above.

The detachable wall plug device 106 also includes one or more electricalconnectors 188-190, such as module plugs, used to transfer power to thewall plug device. The electrical connectors 188-190 connect to receivingconnectors 192-194 in the line-cord device 104. AC and/or DC power istransmitted from the line-cord device 104 to the wall plug device 106via the electrical connectors 188-190 and the receiving connectors192-194. In some embodiments, communications, including controlinstructions and/or data, are transmitted from the line-cord device 104to the wall plug device 106 via the electrical connectors 188-190 andthe receiving connectors 192-194. It will be appreciated that one ormore electrical connectors may be used. Additionally, while a standard3-prong wall plug is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, other electricalconnectors may be used.

In one embodiment, the wall plug device 106 includes a fuse device. Inanother embodiment, the wall plug device 106 includes a surge protectiondevice and/or other voltage and/or amperage protection devices. Inanother embodiment, the wall plug device 106 includes a reset control.

In one embodiment, the ASPS 102 includes a grounded indicator 196 and/ora protected indicator 198. The grounded indicator 196 indicates that theASPS 102 is properly grounded to an electrical supply, such as to an ACreceptacle. Therefore, the ASPS 102 should provide properly groundedelectrical connections for electrical devices connected to the ASPS.

The ASPS 102 also may include a protected indicator 196 in otherembodiments. The protected indicator 198 indicates that surge protectionand/or noise filtration systems and/or circuits are functional. In otherembodiments, the wall plug device 106 includes a grounded indicatorand/or a protected indicator.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment in which an ASPS 102Acommunicates with one or more electrical devices 402, including acomputer 404, a PDA 406, a mobile phone 408, and/or another electricaldevice, via an electrical connection 410 and/or a data communicationconnection 412. The electrical connection 410 and/or the datacommunication connection 412 are depicted as logical connections. Thedata communication connection 412 is optional for some embodiments. Inone embodiment, the electrical connection 410 and/or the datacommunication connection 412 both may use a single physical connectionover which both power and data communications are transmitted. Inanother embodiment, the electrical connection 410 and/or the datacommunication connection 412 may use one or more physical connections.

The ASPS 102A also is connected by a connection 414 to a power system416 and/or a communication system 418. In one example, the power system416 is a power source for AC power. In one embodiment of FIG. 4, theASPS 102A communicates both power and data over the same connection 414to the power system 416. In this example, the power system 416 includesone or more of a private power system and/or a public power system. Inthis example, data communications are transferred to other electricaldevices, such as to communications devices or computers, via the powersystem 416. In another example of this embodiment, data communicationsare transmitted to other electrical devices, such as communicationdevices and/or computers, via the communication system 418.

In one example, the electrical connection 410 is an AC connection. Inanother example, the electrical connection 410 is a DC connection. Inanother embodiment, the electrical connection 410 is a two-wire DC cordwith a modular connector on one end and a barrel connector on the otherend. In another embodiment, the electrical connection 410 is a two-wireDC cord with a modular connector on one end and configured to accept oneor more adaptive connectors on the other end.

In another example, the connection 414 is connected to an electricalsupply, such as an AC receptacle in a home, office, or business, to aprivate or public power system. In one example, the connection 414 tothe electrical supply connects to a public electrical power grid.Private circuits generally connect to the electrical grid via a serviceentrance panel or subpanel device that may or may not require the AScommunication interfaces described herein.

In another embodiment, an automatic sensing (AS) processing system, asdescribed more completely below, resides on the ASPS 102A. In anotherembodiment, an AS processing system resides on the electrical device402. In another embodiment, an AS processing system does not reside onthe electrical device 402.

In still another embodiment, the electrical device 402 includes one ormore of an Ethernet device, a cable device, a digital subscriber line(DSL) device, a satellite device, a dial-up device, an internet protocol(IP) device, or another device configured to communicate data, includingvoice communications converted to data and transferred as data via theconnection 414. In still another embodiment, the data communications aretransferred via the power system 416 and/or the communication system 418to another electrical device, such an Ethernet device, a cable device, aDSL device, a satellite device, a dial-up device, an IP device, oranother device configured to transmit or receive communications.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an automatic power system(APS). The APS 502 of FIG. 5 includes an automatic sensing power system(ASPS) 102B, an electrical supply 504, an electrical device 506, and acomputing device 508. The ASPS 102B is used to automatically determinethe power requirements of the electrical device 506, including voltageand/or amperage requirements, and supply the appropriate power to theelectrical device.

In this embodiment, the electrical device 506 does not have a powerconverter. Instead, the electrical device 506 includes a simpleelectrical connector between the ASPS 102B and the electrical device.The electrical connector is not a bulky power converter, such as a wallbrick. The connector may be a standard power conducting wire, such asthose used for a laptop computer, a PDA, a mobile telephone, or anotherelectrical device (without the power converter).

The ASPS 102B receives power from the electrical supply 504. Upondetermining the power requirements, the ASPS 102B supplies the correctpower to the electrical device 506.

The ASPS 102B communicates with the computing device 508. The computingdevice 508 may be a computing device, data device, or another deviceconfigured to communicate with the ASPS 102B.

In one embodiment, the computing device 508 receives status data fromthe ASPS 102B, including faults, breakdowns in processes, if any, surgeidentifications, and other status information. In another embodiment,the ASPS 102B receives data from the computing device 508. In oneexample, the ASPS 102B receives control data, such as configurationdata, from the computing device 508.

In one example, a user uses the computing device 508 to load the powerrequirements of the electrical device 506 to the ASPS 102B. The ASPS102B stores the power requirements and uses the power requirements toprovide the appropriate power levels, including voltage and/or amperagelevels, to the electrical device 506.

In another example, the ASPS 102B receives data from the computingdevice 508. The computing device 508 is configured to transmit powerrequirements for the electrical device 506 to the ASPS 102B. In thisexample, the ASPS 102B is configured to assign a particular receptacle,such as a particular DC or a particular AC receptacle, to the electricaldevice 506. In this example, a user may plug the electrical device 506into a particular receptacle in the ASPS 102B, and the powerrequirements will be transmitted to the electrical device 506.

In one example, the computing device 508 is configured to enable theparticular receptacle for the electrical device 506. In this example,the computing device 508 also is configured to disable one or more otherreceptacles, including one or more other AC receptacles and/or DCreceptacles. In this example, disabling one or more receptacles providesa safety feature so that the electrical device 506 is not inadvertentlyplugged into a receptacle with the wrong power requirements, which mayresult in damaging the electrical device. In this example, an indicatorlight may indicate whether the receptacle is enabled or disabled toreceive power and/or to transmit power to an electrical device.

The ASPS 102B may receive configuration data and/or control data toconfigure one or more receptacles. For example, the ASPS 102B mayconfigure a first receptacle for a mobile telephone and a secondreceptacle for a computer. In this example, the first receptacle wouldprovide the correct power requirements to the mobile telephone, and thesecond receptacle would provide the correct power requirements to thecomputer.

In the above example, the electrical device 506 does not require an ASprocessing system, as described more completely below. This embodimentprovides flexibility to the user for devices not having the ASprocessing system.

It will be appreciated that the configuration data and/or control datamay be provided to the ASPS 102B in a variety of ways. In oneembodiment, the ASPS 102B receives configuration data identifying amodel of a particular electrical device 506, such as a device nameand/or a model name or number or another identifier. In this example,data identifying particular electrical devices and their powerrequirements reside on the ASPS 102B. In this example, the ASPS 102Bperforms a search, look up, or other process to identify the particularelectronic device model and its power requirements from the data storedon the ASPS. The ASPS 102B then can provide the correct power to theelectrical device 506.

In another embodiment, the ASPS 102B is configured to receive theparticular power requirements, including voltage and/or amperagerequirements, directly from the computing device 508. In this example,the ASPS 102B is not required to perform a search, look up, or otherprocessing operation to identify a particular electrical device's powerrequirements. In this example, after receiving the configurationinformation, the ASPS 102B configures a particular receptacle for thepower requirements.

FIG. 6 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an APS 502A. In thisembodiment, the electrical device 506A includes an AS processing system.In the embodiment of FIG. 6, power is transmitted from the ASPS 102C tothe electrical device 506A. Additionally, data is communicated betweenthe ASPS 102C and the electrical device 506A.

It will be appreciated that the power and the data may be transmittedover the same physical connection, one physical connection for the powerand another physical connection for the data, or multiple physicalconnections for the power and/or data.

In one embodiment of FIG. 6, the ASPS 102C identifies that an electricaldevice 506A has been plugged into one of the receptacles. Thisidentification may be made through hardware, software, firmware, orother methods. In one example, the electrical device 506A makes acircuit when the electrical device is plugged into the receptacle. Inanother example, the electrical device 506A causes the receptacle totransmit a signal when the electrical device is plugged into thereceptacle.

In one example, the electrical device 506A generates a power requestupon being connected to the receptacle. In one example, the requestincludes an identification of the particular electrical device. Inanother example, the request includes specific power requirements forthe electrical device 506A.

The ASPS 102C receives the request and determines the power requirementsfor the electrical device 506A. In one example, the ASPS 102C identifiesthe particular electrical device 506A and searches its data, such asthrough a look up, a search, or other determination, to identify thepower requirements for the electrical device 506A. The ASPS 102Cprovides the appropriate power, including the appropriate voltage andamperage, to the electrical device 506A.

In another example, the ASPS 102C receives a request for power from theelectrical device 506A. In this example, the request includes thespecific power requirements. In this example, the ASPS 102C is notrequired to perform a look up, search, or other determination toidentify the power requirements for the electrical device 506A. The ASPS102C provides the power to the electrical device 506A according to thepower requirements.

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary embodiment of one or more processesoccurring in the ASPS 102D, the electrical device 506B, and theelectrical device 506C. The ASPS 102D communicates with a computingdevice 508B, and the ASPS 102D receives power from the electrical supply504.

The ASPS 102D has an AS processing system 702. The AS processing system702 controls the operations of the ASPS 102D, including data storage,power conversion, enabling and/or disabling receptacles, generating thecorrect power to each receptacle, communicating with electrical devices506B and 506C, and communicating with the computing device 508B.

In one embodiment, the AS processing system 702 stores data in, andretrieves data from, the storage device 704. The storage device 704 mayinclude, for example, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash storage, or anotherstorage device.

The AS processing system 702 also processes communications received fromthe electrical device 506B via the AS communication interface 706. TheAS processing system 702 determines what action to the take based uponthe communication from the electrical device 506B. The AS processingsystem 702 also may transmit data and/or other communications to theelectrical device 506B via the AS communication interface 706B.

In one embodiment, the AS processing system 702 controls conversion ofpower at the power converter 708. In one example, the AS processingsystem 702 transmits control signals to the power converter 708 tocontrol the power conversion and subsequent output of the convertedpower to one or more receptacles. In another example, the AS processingsystem 702 is configured to control at which receptacle the power isoutput from the power converter 708. For example, the AS processingsystem 702 may transmit a control signal to the power converter 708requiring the power converter to output power to a selected receptacle.In another example, the power converter 708 is hard wired to one or morereceptacles, and the AS processing system 702 controls hard wiredswitches from the power converter to one or more receptacles. In anotherexample, the power converter 708 may otherwise output power toparticular receptacles in response to control signals from the ASprocessing system 702.

The power converter 708 receives power from the power input interface710. The power input interface 710 receives power from the electricalsupply 504.

In one embodiment, the power converter 708 includes voltage and/oramperage protection and/or surge protectors. In another embodiment,voltage and/or amperage protection and/or surge protectors areconfigured between the power output interface 712 and the powerconverter 708 and/or the AS processing system 702.

The AS processing system 702 also controls the receptacles in the poweroutput interface 712. The power output interface 712 includes one ormore AC receptacles and/or one or more DC receptacles.

Additionally, the power output interface 712 may include one or morepower control/indicators, such as those identified in FIGS. 1-3. Thepower control/indicators may be controlled by the AS processing system702 or otherwise. Alternately, the power control/indicators may be hardwired to one or more receptacles. In one example, the powercontrol/indicators may indicate that power is enabled or disabled for aparticular receptacle based upon power being transferred to thecontrol/indicator. Other examples exist. In another example, the powercontrol/indicator is a physical switch used to disable or enable powerto a particular output, regardless of any control processing by the ASprocessing system 702.

The AS processing system 702 also may transmit data to, and receive datafrom, a computing device 508B or another device via the communicationinterface 714. The communication interface 714 may be used to transmitand/or receive control data, configuration data, status data, or otherdata. In one example, the AS processing system 702 transmits and/orreceives configuration data from the computing device 508B via thecommunication interface 714. In another example, the AS processingsystem 702 transmits and/or receives configuration data from thecomputing device 508B via the communication interface 714 and stores theconfiguration data in the storage device 704. The configuration data maybe, for example, search data or other data used by the AS processingsystem 702 to identify power requirements for one or more electricaldevices.

The AS processing system 702 also may transmit and/or receive otherdata, such as communication data, application data, video, voicecommunications, and other communications via the communication interface714 to the computing device 508B or through the electrical supply 504.In one example, the electrical supply 504 includes a power supply grid.In this example, the AS processing system 702 transmits data via thecommunication interface 714 to the electrical supply 504 for furthercommunication to another electrical device. In another example of thisembodiment, the AS processing system 702 transmits data via thecommunication interface 714 to the computing device 508B.

In any of the above examples, the data transmitted by the AS processingsystem 702 via the communication interface 714 may be configurationdata, status data, or other data used for the operation of theelectrical device 506B or 506C or other information regarding theelectrical devices. The data may be used by a user of the computingdevice 508B or another user.

The AS processing system 702 also may transmit data to, and receive datafrom, a computing device 508B or another device via a user interface716. The user interface 716 generates data for display by the computingdevice 508B or another device. The user interface 716 may be used totransmit and/or receive control data, configuration data, status data,or other data. In one example, the user interface 716 resides on theASPS 102D and generates data for display by the electrical device 506B.In another example, the user interface 716 resides on the electricaldevice 506B, and the ASPS 102D communicates with the user interface sothe user interface can display data and enter control processes andoperations, such as selecting a particular voltage for a particularreceptacle.

In some embodiments, the communication interface 706 and thecommunication interface 714 are a single interface. In other examples,the communication interface 706, the communication interface 714, and/orthe user interface 716 are a single interface.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the electrical device 506B has anelectrical device automatic sensing (EDAS) processing system 718 and apower input interface 720. The EDAS processing system 718 communicateswith the ASPS 102D via the AS communication interface 706. In oneembodiment, the EDAS processing system 718 includes a processor. Inanother embodiment, the EDAS processing system 718 includes a storagedevice, such as an EPROM, EEPROM, Flash storage, or other storage. Inanother embodiment, the EDAS processing system 718 is configured withhardware, firmware, and/or software configured to communicate with theASPS 102D and/or otherwise configure, control, transmit, receive, and/orprocess communications related to power requirements, statistics, and/oroperational requirements of the electrical device 506B.

In one example, the EDAS processing system 718 generates a request forpower to the ASPS 102D via the AS communication interface 706. Inanother embodiment, the EDAS processing system 718 receives acommunication requesting whether or not the electrical device 506B is toreceive power. In another embodiment, the EDAS processing system 718processes instructions for transmitting power requirements to the ASPS102D or for receiving information regarding power requirements of theelectrical device 506B and the provision of power to the electricaldevice from the ASPS 102D.

The power input interface 720 receives power from the ASPS 102D via thepower output interface 712. The power input interface 720 may behardware, such as a plug and/or cord, and/or another device.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the electrical device 506C does not includean EDAS processing system. In this embodiment, data is not communicatedbetween the electrical device 506C and the ASPS 102D. In thisembodiment, the electrical device 506C receives power at the power inputinterface 722 from the ASPS 102D via the power output interface 712.

In one embodiment, the computing device 508B includes a configurationsystem used to configure the ASPS 102D. In one embodiment, the computingdevice 508B includes a user interface (UI) used to configure powerrequirements for particular electrical devices, power requirements orother configurations for particular AC and/or DC receptacles,operational parameters for the ASPS 102D, and/or other processes of theASPS 102D.

In one example, the UI enables a user to configure particularreceptacles on the ASPS 102D for particular electrical devices. The UIpresents a simple screen or other output to the user, such as with radiobuttons to enable or to disable particular receptacles. For example, auser may use the UI to program a DC receptacle for a mobile telephone bysetting the voltage and/or amperage requirements of the mobile telephonefor a selected receptacle. The user may use the GUI to program a secondDC receptacle for a PDA by setting the voltage and/or amperagerequirements of the PDA for a selected receptacle. In a particularembodiment of this example, the user may select an identification of theelectrical device from a menu or other interface. The electrical devicethen may be assigned to a particular receptacle.

In another example, the particular receptacle with the associatedelectrical device may be enabled or disabled using a radio button orother entry on the UI. In the above example, after the user configuresthe first receptacle for the mobile telephone, an enable and disablebutton is generated for the first receptacle. After the user configuresthe second receptacle for the PDA, an enable and disable button isgenerated for the second receptacle. Once the configuration data istransmitted to the ASPS 102D, the communication connection between theASPS 102D and the computing device 508B may be removed.

In one example, once the configuration data is downloaded to the ASPS102D, the ASPS retains the configuration data. In another example, theASPS 102D may be reset by the computing device 508B. In another example,the ASPS 102D configuration may be reset by a reset button, such as thereset button depicted in FIG. 1. In another example, the configurationof the ASPS 102D may be reset upon removing power from the device. Otherexamples exist.

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an ASPS 102E communicatingwith the electrical device 506D. In this embodiment, the ASPS 102E has acommunication interface 802 through which it communicates to acommunication interface 804 of the electrical device. The AS processingsystem 702A controls transmission of communications from, and receptionof communications at, the communication interface 802.

In some embodiments of FIG. 8, the communication interface 706 and thecommunication interface 714 are a single interface. In other examples,the communication interface 706, the communication interface 714, theuser interface 716, and/or the communication interface 802 are a singleinterface.

In this embodiment, communications normally transmitted to and from theelectrical device 506D via an Ethernet connection, a cable connection, aDSL connection, a dial-up connection, an IP connection, or another typeof connection through which other data may be communicated, aretransmitted to the ASPS 102E for further transmission and from the ASPSto the electrical device. In this embodiment, the communications beingtransmitted between the electrical device 506D and the ASPS 102E mayoccur via one or more physical connections. The power transmitted fromthe ASPS 102E to the electrical device 506D may be provided over thesame physical connection or another physical connection.

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary embodiment of another ASPS 102Fcommunicating with an electrical device 506E and a computing device508D. The ASPS 102F includes an AS processing system 702B. The ASprocessing system 702B operates with a power data system 902, a dataupdate and device control process 904, and a communication system 906.

The power data system 902 has data identifying the power requirementsfor one or more electrical devices. In one embodiment, the power datasystem 902 includes a voltage and/or amperage database that identifiesthe voltage and/or amperage requirements for one or more electricaldevices. In this embodiment, the voltage and/or amperage database may beused with a look up or other search process by the AS processing system702B to identify the power requirements for an electrical device. Thepower data system 902 may include other power related data, includingconfiguration data and other operational data.

The data update and device control process 904 is used to automaticallyupdate information stored in the power data system 902. In one example,the data update and device control process 904 includes an automaticdatabase update process used to automatically receive database updatesfrom the computing device 508D and to automatically store the updateddata in the power data system 902.

The communication system 906 may include a communication interface tothe computing device 508D, a communication interface to the electricaldevice 506E, and/or another system configured to receive and/or transmitcommunications, including instructions and data. The communicationsystem 906 may include one or more different types of physicalconnections and/or ports by which communications are received ortransmitted. The communication system 906 also may operate according toone or more communication protocols to receive and/or transmitcommunications.

The computing device 508D includes a processor 908 used to control theprocesses in the computing device. In one embodiment, the processor 908controls storage of data in, and retrieval of data from, the datastorage device 910. The processor 908 also receives communications from,and transmits communications to, the communication system 912.

The processor 908 also receives data from, and transmits data to, theupdate system 914. The update system 914 may include an automated dataupdate process 916 and a manual update process 918. The automated dataupdate process 916 is configured to automatically update data, includingconfiguration data, power requirements, and other data, for the ASPS102F. The manual data update process 918 is configured to enable a userto manually update data, including configuration data, powerrequirements, and other data, to the ASPS 102F.

The processor 908 controls generation of data to the display 920, suchas data for a GUI or another user interface. Additionally, the processor908 receives data from an input device 922, such as a keyboard, a mouse,a pointer, or another input device. The processor 908 also outputs datato other output devices 924, such as a printer, another electricaldevice, or another device.

In one embodiment, the computing device 508D enables a user to configurethe ASPS 102F, including one or more AC and/or DC receptacles on theASPS 102F. The configuration includes enabling and disabling one or morereceptacles and providing configuration data, including powerrequirements, to the ASPS 102F for one or more receptacles in which oneor more electrical devices will be plugged.

In one embodiment, the processor 908 generates a GUI to the display 920.In another embodiment, the processor 908 generates another userinterface.

In one example, the GUI or other user interface is used to displayoperational and event logging. In another embodiment, the GUI or otheruser interface is used to display device operational information and ACand/or DC receptacle controls.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the electrical device 506E connects to theASPS 102F. Thereafter, the electrical device 506E initiates an automaticpower request upon the connection at step 926. The ASPS 102F receivesthe request, processes the request, and automatically initiates thepower supply to the electrical device 506E at step 928. Other examplesexist.

As used in the description of FIGS. 5-9, the word “system” includeshardware, firmware, software, and/or other systems used to perform thefunctional and/or component operations and/or requirements. Similarly,the word “interface” includes hardware, firmware, software, and/or othersystems used to perform the functional and/or component operationsand/or requirements. One or more interfaces and/or systems may beseparated and/or combined in the above-descriptions. Physical and/orlogical components may be combined and/or separated.

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an ASPS 102G. In theembodiment of FIG. 10, a processor 1002 controls the operation of theASPS 102G.

Power is received at the ASPS 102G from a power system 416. In theembodiment of FIG. 10, the power is received at a fuse 1004. In otherembodiments, the power may be received into the ASPS 102G at a resetableswitch 1006, at an on/off switch 1008, or at another component.

In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the fuse 1004 enables power to flow fromthe power system 416 to the ASPS 102G. The fuse 1004 terminates the flowof power into the ASPS 102G when the amperage level or another powerlevel reaches an upper limit. In one example, the fuse 1004 opens thecircuit between the power system 416 and the resetable switch 1006, orother components of the ASPS 102G, if the resetable switch is notpresent or when the current from the power system 416 is approximatelyat or exceeds 30 amps, thereby terminating the flow of electricity tothe ASPS 102G. In some embodiments, the fuse 1004 is replaced after thefuse opens the circuit between the power system 416 and the resetableswitch 1006 or other components. The fuse 1004 is optional in someembodiments.

The resetable switch 1006 temporarily terminates the circuit between thepower system 416 and the on/off switch 1008 or other components of theASPS 102G if the on/off switch is not present. In one example, if theon/off switch 1008 is not present, the resetable switch 1006 temporarilyterminates the circuit between the power system 416 and the opticalrelay 1010 and the AC to DC switching regulator 1012. The resetableswitch 1006 can be reset, such as by a user or automatically by anothermethod, to close the circuit and enable power transmission to thecomponents of the ASPS 102G. In one embodiment, the resetable switch1006 is a circuit breaker configured to open the circuit when thecurrent level from the power being drawn from the power system 416 isapproximately at or exceeds 15 amps. The resetable switch 1006 isoptional in some embodiments.

The on/off switch 1008 enables a user to manually turn power on and offfor the ASPS 102G. The on/off switch 1008 may be a toggle switch, a pushswitch, an electronic and/or software driven switch, or another type ofswitch. It will be appreciated that the on/off switch 1008 may belocated logically or physically in another location in the ASPS 102G,such as before or after the fuse 1004 or the resetable switch 1006. Theon/off switch 1008 is optional in some embodiments.

The optical relay 1010 isolates the incoming AC power from the processor1002 and enables the processor to control turning AC power on or off forone or more of the AC receptacles 1014. The optical relay 1010 isolatesthe received AC power and the transmitted AC power from connections fromthe processor 1002.

The optical relay 1010 receives one or more signals from the processor1002. Based upon the one or more signals, the optical relay 1010connects AC power to one or more of the AC receptacles 1014. In oneembodiment, the optical relay 1010 connects AC power to one selected ACreceptacle. In another embodiment, the optical relay 1010 connects ACpower to N selected AC receptacles out of M possible AC receptacles,where N is a number greater than or equal to one, and M is a numbergreater than or equal to one.

In one embodiment, the optical relay 1010 is a TRIAC. In otherembodiments, the optical relay 1010 is another transistor device. Inother embodiments, the optical relay 1010 is another type of relayconfigured to isolate the processor 1002 from the incoming AC power andthe outgoing AC power to the AC receptacles 1014. The optical relay 1010is optional in some embodiments.

The AC to DC regulator 1012 receives AC power and converts the AC powerto DC power. The converted DC power is transmitted to the linearregulator 1016 and to the DC to DC regulator 1018. In one embodiment,the AC to DC regulator 1012 converts 120 volt AC (VAC) power to 24 voltDC (VDC) power.

The AC receptacles 1014 are configured to transmit power from the ASPS102G to one or more electrical devices connected to the AC receptacles.The AC receptacles 1014 include one or more AC receptacles. In oneembodiment, a single AC receptacle is included in the ASPS 102G. Inanother embodiment, 8 AC receptacles are included in the ASPS 102G. Inanother embodiment, N AC receptacles are included in the ASPS 102G,where N is a number greater than or equal to one.

In one embodiment, the AC receptacles 1014 include one or more 3-prongAC receptacles. In another embodiment, the AC receptacles 1014 includeone or more 2-prong AC receptacles. Other embodiments include othertypes of AC receptacles. The AC receptacles 1014 are optional in someembodiments.

In one embodiment, an optional switch (not shown) is included betweenthe optical relay 1010 and the AC receptacles 1014. The optional switchenables a user to turn a selected one or more of the AC receptacles 1014on or off. In one example, each optional switch includes one of theindicators 1024.

The linear regulator 1016 converts the DC power received from the AC toDC regulator 1012 to DC voltages required by other components in theASPS 102G. The linear regulator 1016 provides DC voltage to integratedcircuits, linear components, and other components in the ASPS 102G. Inone example, the linear regulator 1016 down converts the 24 VDC voltagereceived from the AC to DC regulator 1012 and transmits thedown-converted DC voltage to the processor 1002, the optical relay 1010,the modulator 1020, the memory 1022, the indicators 1024, the resetcontroller 1026, and the communication system 1028. In one embodiment,the linear regulator 1016 outputs 5 volts DC to one or more componentsof the ASPS 102G. In another embodiment, the linear regulator 1016outputs N volts DC to one or more components of the ASPS 102G, where Nis a number greater than or equal to 0.001.

The DC to DC regulator 1018 provides DC power to the DC receptacles 1030at one or more voltage levels. In one example, the DC to DC regulator1018 is an adjustable switching regulator configured to convert the 24VDC incoming power to one or more output DC voltages. In anotherexample, the DC to DC regulator 1018 is a synchronous adjustableswitching regulator.

The DC to DC regulator 1018 receives one or more signals from theprocessor 1002. The DC to DC 1018 sets the output DC voltage based uponthe one or more signals received from the processor 1002, and outputsthe set voltage to one or more selected DC receptacles 1030. In oneembodiment, the processor 1002 digitally adjusts the output of the DC toDC regulator 1018 and configures the DC to DC regulator to output theselected DC voltage to a selected DC receptacle. For example, the DC toDC regulator 1018 may receive a first signal from the processor 1002from which the DC to DC regulator configures a first output DC voltagefor 20 VDC and 4.5 amps. In another example, the DC to DC regulator 1018receives a signal from the processor 1002 from which the DC to DCregulator configures an output DC voltage to a selected DC receptaclefor 7.5 VDC and 1 amp. In another example, the DC to DC regulator 1018receives a signal from the processor 1002 from which the DC to DCregulator 1018 configures an output DC voltage for a selected DCreceptacle for 3.7 VDC and 340 milli-amps. Other examples exist.

The modulator 1020 transmits communications to and receivescommunications from one or more DC receptacles 1030. The modulator 1020enables the ASPS 102G to transmit communications to an electrical deviceand receive communications from an electrical device over DC powercarrying wire or other cable via the DC receptacles 1030. The modulator1020 also transmits communications to and receives communications fromthe processor 1002.

The modulator 1020 modulates communications received from the processor1002 for transmission to the DC receptacles 1030. The modulator 1020also demodulates communications received from the DC receptacles 1030for transmission to the processor 1002.

In one embodiment, the modulator 1020 modulates and demodulatescommunications using voltage modulation. In this embodiment, themodulator 1020 modulates the on and off states of a DC voltage toserially transmit data packets. The modulator 1020 receives voltagemodulated data packets and detects the modulated data packets. In oneexample, the modulator 1020 reassembles the data packets to a digitalform and transmits the digital data to the processor 1002. In anotherexample, the modulator 1020 or the processor 1002 includes a voltagedivider circuit that divides the voltage level of the received data to alower range. An analog-to-digital converter then converts thedivided-voltage into a digital format processable by the processor 1002.

In one example, one or more communications from the electrical deviceconnected to the DC receptacle 1030 includes an identification string orother identification in the communication. In one embodiment, theidentification string is a series of ASCII characters that correspond todata or a data structure stored in the memory 1022. The electricaldevice identification and/or the voltage code are stored as data in thememory 1022.

In another example, one or more communications are transmitted from andreceived at the modulator 1020 serially. The communications areformatted using a hexadecimal format. In this example, one or more ofthe following may be transmitted: a request by the ASPS 102G if anelectrical device is present, an acknowledgment by the electricaldevice, a request for an identification code from the electronic device,an electronic device identification code, a request for a voltage code,an electrical device voltage code, an instruction to an electricaldevice to enable DC power for itself, a request from the ASPS for data,an electrical device data download, and other communications. In anotherexample, one or more of the previously identified communications includeASCII characters transmitted via the hexadecimal format.

In another embodiment, the modulator 1020 transmits and receivescommunications using frequency shift key modulation. In this embodiment,communications are transmitted and received using a higher bandwidth.

In another embodiment, the modulator 1020 transmits and receives carriersignals that are superimposed onto the power generated from the DC to DCregulator 1018 through the DC receptacles 1030. In other embodiments,other types of modulation and/or communication may be used.

The memory 1022 includes RAM, Flash memory, EEPROM memory, and/or othermemory. The memory 1022 may be used, for example, to store data, datastructures, operating parameters, and/or programming, includingfirmware, software, and other programming.

The memory 1022 stores data received from the processor 1002. The memory1022 also retrieves data and transmits it to the processor 1002.

In one embodiment, the memory 1022 stores product specification data forone or more electrical devices. In one example, the productspecification data includes names of one or more electrical devices,model numbers of one or more electrical devices, serial numbers of oneor more electrical devices, a product description of one or moreelectrical devices, and customer numbers for one or more electricaldevices. Other data may be included.

In another embodiment, the memory 1022 includes data structuresidentifying voltage requirements for one or more electrical devices. Thedata structure also includes a designation of the electrical device,such as a model name, a model number, a serial number, or anotherdesignation.

In another embodiment, the memory 1022 includes data stored by the ASPS102G during the operation of the ASPS. This data may include, forexample, a voltage setting for a selected DC receptacle, another voltagesetting for another selected DC receptacle, a voltage setting for anelectrical device, another voltage setting for another electricaldevice, and other data. The ASPS data also may include event data, suchas for power surges, selected settings for DC receptacles, states of thereceptacles, critical events for the ASPS, including data identifying ablown fuse or a broken circuit, when an event occurred, and other data.Other examples exist.

In one embodiment, the memory 1022 stores one-time variables and bufferdata for the processor 1002 operations. In another embodiment, thememory 1022 includes non-volatile storage for the storage of programmingthat is executed by the processor 1002. In another embodiment, thememory 1022 stores other non-volatile variable data, such as event data,data strings, voltage settings, and other product data.

The indicators 1024 indicate a status of one or more states and/or oneor more operations for the ASPS 102G. In one embodiment, the indicators1024 indicate a status of one or more DC receptacles 1030 and/or one ormore AC receptacles 1014. In one example, the indicator is off, red, orgreen. If the indicator is off, the receptacle is not powered. If theindicator is green, the receptacle is powered and configured to outputpower to an electrical device. If the indicator is red, the receptacleis active and available to generate power to a connecting electricaldevice, but the receptacle is not yet generating power to the electricaldevice. If the indicator is red and green, an error condition exists.

The indicators 1024 receive one or more control signals from theprocessor 1002 and operate in accordance with the signals. In oneexample, a control signal causes an indicator to enable a red or greenindication.

In one embodiment, the indicators 1024 are light emitting diodes (LEDs).In other embodiments, the indicators 1024 are other light emittingdevices. In still other embodiments, the indicators are other types ofindicating devices. The indicators 1024 are optional in someembodiments.

The reset controller 1026 resets the components on the ASPS 102G. In oneembodiment, the reset controller 1026 provides a memory address to theprocessor 1002 at which start-up programming is stored. In anotherembodiment, the reset controller 1026 resets one or more DC receptacles1030 so that the DC receptacles and the DC to DC regulator 1018 are notset for particular DC output voltages. In another embodiment, the resetcontroller 1026 resets the AC receptacles 1014. In another embodiment,the reset controller 1026 resets all logic components on the ASPS 102G.The reset controller 1026 is optional in some embodiments.

The communication system 1028 processes communications transmitted from,and communications received at, the communication interface 1032. Thecommunication system 1028 formats communications to be transmitted fromthe ASPS 102G in a format receivable by the receiving device. Thecommunication system 1028 formats communications received from atransmitting device connected to the ASPS 102G so that the formattedcommunications are processable by the processor 1002.

The communication system 1028 processes communications for variousprotocols. In one embodiment, the communication system 1028 processesuniversal serial bus (USB) based communications. In this embodiment, thecommunication system 1028 decodes USB data received via thecommunication interface 1032 and transmits the decoded data to theprocessor 1002. These communications may include, for example, controlcommands, data, and programming. The communication system 1028 alsoreceives communications from the processor 1002 and codes thecommunications for transmission as USB data via the communicationinterface 1032. These communications may include, for example, controlcommands, data, and programming.

The communication system 1028 may be configured to transmit and receivecommunications via other protocols. For example, the communicationsystem 1028 may be configured to transmit and receive communications asinternet protocol (IP) packets, analog-based data such as voice data,digitized data, Ethernet-based data, and other types of communicationsystem based data. Other examples exist. The communication system 1028is optional in some embodiments.

The DC receptacles 1030 are configured to transmit power from the ASPS102G to one or more electrical devices connected to the DC receptacles.The DC receptacles 1030 include one or more DC receptacles. In oneembodiment, a single DC receptacle is included in the ASPS 102G. Inanother embodiment, N DC receptacles are included in the ASPS 102G,where N is a number greater than or equal to one.

In one embodiment, one or more of the DC receptacles 1030 are barrelconnectors. The barrel connector includes a ground pin and power pin.The DC receptacle in this embodiment is a female barrel connector and isconfigured to receive a male barrel connector.

In one embodiment, the barrel connector also includes a switch and/orswitch detector configured to indicate when a mating barrel connector isconnected to the barrel connector of the DC receptacle 1030. Theprocessor 1002 receives a signal from the switch detector when a matingbarrel connector is connected to the connector of the DC receptacle.

In one example, the switch detector has a switch lead that is connectedto a ground lead when no device is plugged into the barrel connector.The switch lead also is connected to the processor 1002, and a switchdetector signal is transmitted via the switch lead to the processor.When the switch lead is connected to ground, the processor 1002 readsthe switch detector signal as a logic 0, which corresponds to ground.When an electrical device is connected to the barrel connector, theswitch lead is disconnected from the ground lead. The processor 1002reads the switch detector signal as a logic 1, which indicates anelectrical device is connected into the barrel connector of the DCreceptacle.

In one embodiment, an optional switch (not shown) is included betweenthe DC to DC regulator 1018 and the DC receptacles 1030. The optionalswitch enables a user to turn a selected one or more of the DCreceptacles 1030 on or off. In one example, each optional switchincludes one of the indicators 1024.

The communication interface 1032 interfaces to one or more types ofcommunication systems. In one embodiment, the communication interface1032 is a USB interface. In another example, the communication interfaceis an RJ-11 or RJ-14 telephone jack interface. In another example, thecommunication interface is an RJ-45 connector. In another example, thecommunication interface 1032 is an Ethernet-based interface. One or moreof the previously referenced communication interfaces and/or one or moreother interfaces may exist in a single embodiment. Other examples exist.The communication interface 1032 is optional in some embodiments.

The processor 1002 controls the operations of the ASPS 102G. Theprocessor 1002 controls the on and off states of the AC receptacles 1014by enabling and disabling the optical relay 1010 to connect anddisconnect the AC input power for output to one or more AC receptacles.The processor 1002 transmits one or more signals to the optical relay1010 to make or break a connection for one or more of the AC receptacles1014.

The processor 1002 controls the on and off states of the DC receptacles1030. The processor 1002 controls which DC receptacles 1030 will beenabled with DC power. The processor 1002 determines the DC power levelthat will be output from the DC to DC regulator 1018 for each DCreceptacle. The processor 1002 transmits a signal to the DC to DCregulator 1018 identifying the DC power level to be output to each DCreceptacle and enables the DC power output level for that DC receptacle.

The processor 1002 controls the transmission and reception of data toand from the modulator 1020. The processor 1002 receives data from themodulator 1020 and processes the data. The data may include, forexample, a specific or approximate DC voltage level required by anelectrical device connected to one of the DC receptacles 1030 and/or anidentification of the electrical device.

The processor 1002 determines the type of communication that will bemade via the modulator 1020. In one example, the processor 1002 controlsthe modulation of the modulator 1020 so that communications are made ina format receivable by the electrical device connected to the DCreceptacle 1030. The processor 1002 also controls demodulation of themodulator 1020 so that communications received from an electrical deviceare transmitted in a format receivable by the modulator 1020 andprocessable by the processor 1002.

The processor 1002 controls the indicators 1024. The processor 1002transmits one or more signals to one or more of the indicators 1024 foran indicator status. In one embodiment, the indicators 1024 are LEDs,and the processor 1002 enables a particular input to cause the LED toturn on. In another example, the processor 1002 enables another input ofthe LED to cause the LED to light a second color.

The processor 1002 controls start-up of the ASPS 102G. In addition, uponreceiving a reset signal from the reset controller 1026, the processor1002 retrieves the start-up programming from memory 1022 and resets theASPS 102G.

The processor 1002 processes communications received via the modulator1020 and the communication system 1028. The processor 1002 alsotransmits communications via the modulator 1020 and the communicationsystem 1028.

In one embodiment, the processor 1002 generates a user interface via thecommunication system 1028 for display, such as for display on a computersystem with a monitor. In this embodiment, the processor 1002 transmitsdata to the computer system for display. The data may include, forexample, voltage levels required for a particular DC receptacle 1030,instructions to enable a particular DC receptacle for a particularlevel, instructions to enable or disable one or more AC receptacles 1014and/or DC receptacles 1030, or other data.

In another embodiment, the user interface resides on a computer systemthat is communicating with the processor 1002 via the communicationsystem 1028 and the communication interface 1032. In this embodiment,the processor 1002 transmits data to the computer system for display bythe user interface. The computer system transmits data received from theuser interface to the processor 1002 for processing. In this example,the data may include, for example, voltage levels required for aparticular DC receptacle 1030, instructions to enable a particular DCreceptacle for a particular level, instructions to enable or disable oneor more AC receptacles 1014 and/or DC receptacles 1030, or other data.

In one embodiment, the processor 1002 monitors the output from the DC toDC regulator 1018 to identify the actual or approximate actual voltagebeing generated from the DC to DC regulator to a selected DC receptacle1030. The raw analog voltage level generated by the DC to DC regulator1018 is used as a feedback signal and is input back to the processor1002. This feedback signal is indicated by the dashed-line between theprocessor 1002 and the DC to DC regulator 1018 in FIG. 10. In thisembodiment, the processor 1002 has a voltage divider that divides thefeedback signal to a lower DC voltage range, such as between 0 volts and5 volts, samples the divided feedback signal with an analog-to-digitalconverter, and uses the sampled feedback signal to determine if anyadjustments must be made to the output of the DC to DC regulator 1018 tomaintain the proper output DC voltage. In one example, the voltagedivider is a circuit having two resistors.

In one embodiment, the processor 1002 transmits an adjustment signal tothe DC to DC regulator 1018 to adjust its output of a DC voltage for aparticular DC receptacle 1030. In one example, the adjustment signal isan analog output signal that is used to inject an offset into the DC toDC regulator 1018. In this example, the degree of offset is linearlyrelated to the output DC voltage of the DC to DC regulator 1018. Thisvoltage may be expressed as Voutput=Vadjustment*Beta, withBeta=GainFactor+Tolerance. The GainFactor is a gain specific to the DCto DC regulator 1018, and its value depends upon the exact design of theDC to DC regulator. The Tolerance is a parameter used to express theproduction tolerance of each DC to DC regulator. Ideally, the Toleranceis 0.

The feedback loop signal enables the processor 1002 to vary Vadjustmentuntil Voutput is equal to the DC voltage required by the electricaldevice connected to the particular DC receptacle. In other embodiments,the adjustment signal includes a raw digital format, rather than ananalog format. Other examples exist.

In one embodiment, when an electrical device is connected to one of theDC receptacles 1030, the processor 1002 causes a minimal level of DCpower to output from the DC to DC regulator 1018 to the DC receptacle.The minimal power level is enough DC power to initiate operations of theelectrical device, such as operation of the electrical device'sprocessor, but not enough DC power to fully power the electrical device.The minimal power level is low enough that it will not exceed powerlevels that may damage the electrical device. In this example, theminimal power level enables the processor of the electrical device tocommunicate with the processor 1002 of the ASPS 102G. The processor ofthe electrical device then is able to transmit the voltage requirementsor the electrical device's identification to the processor 1002 of theASPS 102G. The processor 1002 then configures the DC voltage level to beoutput from the DC to DC regulator 1018 to the DC receptacle 1030 inwhich the electrical device is connected and enables output of the DCpower to that DC receptacle.

FIG. 11 depicts another exemplary embodiment of a ASPS 102H. In theembodiment of FIG. 11, the ASPS 102H includes DC receptacle 1 1030Athrough DC receptacle N 1030B. Each DC receptacle 1030A-1030B has anassociated detector 1102-1104, such as a detector switch for the barrelconnector described above. Other examples exist. Each detector 1102-1104is configured to enable a signal to the processor 1002A identifying thatan electrical device connector has been connected to the receptacle1030A-1030B.

A modulator 1020A-1020B is configured to communicate between arespective DC receptacle 1030A-1030B and the processor 1002A. Theprocessor 1002A transmits communications to the DC receptacles1030A-1030B via the modulator 1020A-1020B and receives communicationsfrom the DC receptacles via the modulators.

A low current driver 1106 and 1108 and a high current switch 1110 and1112 are associated with each DC receptacle 1030A-1030B. The low currentdrivers 1106 and 1108 receive DC power from the DC to DC regulator1018A-1018B at a low current level and/or a low voltage level. The lowcurrent drivers 1106-1108 provide the DC power to the DC receptacles1030A-1030B. The low current driver 1106-1108 is used to signal to theelectrical device connected to the DC receptacle 1030A-1030B that theprocessor 1002A will transmit communications to, or receivecommunications from, the electrical device. In one embodiment, a lowcurrent driver 1106-1108 includes one or more resistors.

The high current switches 1110-1112 receive DC power from the DC to DCregulator 1018A-1018B at a high current level and/or a high voltagelevel. The high current switches 1110-1112 provide the DC power to theDC receptacles 1030A-1030B. The DC power provided by the high currentswitch 1110-1112 to the DC receptacle 1030A-1030B is used to charge orotherwise power the electrical device connected to the DC receptacle. Inone embodiment, a high current switch 1110-1112 includes a transistor ormultiple transistors configured to receive DC power from the DC to DCregulator 1018A-1018B and to receive an enable signal from the processor1002A. Upon receiving the enable signal from the processor 1002A, thehigh current switch 1110-1112 transmits the DC power to the DCreceptacle 1030A-1030B.

In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the processor 1002A and the modulators1020A-1020B are configured to communicate using voltage modulation. Inone embodiment, the modulator 1020A-1020B transmits communications to,and receives communications from, the DC receptacle 1030A-1030B using ahexadecimal format. In one example, one or more communications transmitASCII-based characters using hexadecimal format.

In one embodiment, the ASPS 102H of FIG. 11 operates as follows. The DCreceptacle 1030A includes a female barrel connector having a ground pin,a power pin, and a switch pin. The detector 1102 is the switch pin andswitching mechanism in this example.

When a mating jack is not connected to the DC receptacle 1030A, theswitching mechanism causes the switch pin to be connected to the groundlead. The switch pin also is connected to an input of the processor1002A. When the switch pin is connected to ground, the processor readsthe switch pin signal as a logic 0, which corresponds to ground.

An electrical device having a male connector is plugged into the DCfemale barrel connector receptacle. When the device is connected, theswitch lead of the detector 1102 is disconnected from the ground lead.In this example, pull-up resistors are connected to the switch leadbetween the detector 1102 and the processor 1002A. When the switch leadis disconnected from ground, the detector signal transitions to a logic1.

When the detector signal transitions to a logic 1, the processor 1002Adetermines that an electrical device is connected to the DC receptacle1030A. The processor 1002A causes a low current and/or a low voltagedriver signal to be generated from the DC to DC regulator 1018A throughthe low current driver 1106 to the DC receptacle 1030A. In this example,the low current signal is 24 volts DC and less than 5 milli-amps. Thelow current signal is enough power to turn on a processor for theelectrical device. However, the low current signal likely does not havesufficient amperage to damage the electrical device.

The low current driver signal is an indication to the electrical devicethat one or more communications will be transmitted from the ASPS 102Hto the electrical device. The processor 1002A transmits a query to theelectrical device through the modulator 1020A and to the DC receptacle1030A. In this example, the modulator 1020A uses voltage modulation totransmit the communication.

After the low current driver signal has been transmitted to theelectrical device, the processor 1002A causes the modulator 1020A totransmit the communication to the electrical device through the DCreceptacle 1030A. In this example, the processor 1002A transmits aseries of enable and disable signals to the modulator 1020A. In responseto the enable signals, the modulator 1020A outputs a voltage having anamplitude greater than a minimal amperage, such as 3 volts DC. Theelectrical device receives the voltage having the amplitude andrecognizes it as a logic 1. When the modulator 1020A receives a disablesignal, the modulator either outputs a voltage having a level below theminimal level or does not output any voltage at all. The electricaldevice identifies that the voltage is either below the minimal level orthat no voltage is received at all and reads this as a logic 0. Usingthis method, a series of 1s and 0s are transmitted between the modulatorand the electrical device as one more data packets.

The electrical device transmits a communication to the modulator 1020Athrough the DC receptacle 1030A, and the modulator transmits thecommunication to the processor 1002A. In this example, the processor1002A has a divider circuit that divides the voltage of thecommunication to a lower voltage, such as voltage between 0 and 5 voltsDC. The processor 1002A also has an analog-to-digital converter thatsamples the divided communication. The processor 1002A reads theconverted signal and identifies the communication type and the data inthe communication.

In this example, the communication from the electrical device is anacknowledgment indicating a status OK command. The processor 1002Atransmits a message via the modulator 1020A requesting a voltage codeand an identification string from the electrical device. The processor1002A receives a communication from the electrical device via themodulator 1020A with the voltage code and the identification string forthe electrical device.

The processor 1002A transmits a signal to the DC to DC regulator 1018Afor the requested voltage and enables the output from the DC to DCregulator to the high current switch 1110. The processor 1002A alsoenables the switch for the high current switch 1110 which causes the DCpower to flow from the DC to DC regulator 1018A through the high currentswitch 1110 and to the DC receptacle 1030A.

If the processor 1002A communicates with the electrical device while orafter the electrical device receives the DC power generated from the DCto DC regulator 1018A through the high current switch 1110, theprocessor 1002A disables the output from the DC to DC regulator to thehigh current switch 1110. The processor 1002A may accomplish this bydisabling the output from the DC to DC regulator 1018A, disabling thehigh current switch 1110, or both.

The processor 1002A then enables a low current and/or low voltage driversignal from the DC to DC regulator 1018A to the low current driver 1106.The low current driver 1106 transmits the low current driver signal tothe electrical device through the DC receptacle 1030A. The low currentdriver signal is a signal to the electrical device that a communicationwill be transmitted from the processor 1002A. In this example, theprocessor 1002A and the electrical device operate in a master-slaverelationship. In other embodiments, a polling relationship may occurbetween the processor 1002A and the electrical device. Other examplesexist.

After the low current driver signal has been transmitted to theelectrical device, the processor 1002A causes the modulator 1020A totransmit the communication to the electrical device through the DCreceptacle 1030A. In this example, the processor 1002A transmits aseries of enable and disable signals to the modulator 1020A. In responseto the enable signals, the modulator 1020A outputs a voltage having anamplitude greater than a minimal amperage, such as 3 volts DC. Theelectrical device receives the voltage having the amplitude andrecognizes it as a logic 1. When the modulator 1020A receives a disablesignal, the modulator either outputs a voltage having a level below theminimal level or does not output any voltage at all. The electricaldevice identifies that the voltage is either below the minimal level orthat no voltage is received at all and reads this as a logic 0. Usingthis method, a series of 1s and 0s are transmitted between the modulatorand the electrical device as one or more data packets.

Similarly, in this example, the electrical device transmits one or moredata packets to the modulator 1020A having a voltage amplitude thatindicates a logic 1 or a logic 0. The voltage levels are transmittedfrom the modulator to the divider circuit and the analog-to-digitalconverter on the processor 1002A and read by the processor as a logical0 or a logical 1.

It will be appreciated that one or more of the embodiments of FIGS. 4-11may be embodied in a line-cord device, a wall-plug device, the line-corddevice 104 of FIGS. 1-3, the detachable wall-plug device 106 of FIGS.1-3, each of the line-cord device 104 and the detachable wall-plugdevice 106 of FIGS. 1-3, or another device. Alternately, portions of theembodiments of FIGS. 4-11 may be embodied in those devices. Otherexamples exist.

FIGS. 12-14 depict another exemplary embodiment of an ASPS 1021. In theembodiment of FIGS. 12-14, the detachable wall plug device 106A includesan AC receptacle 1202. In some embodiments, the AC receptacle 1202 hasan associated power control/indicator 1204.

The wall plug device 106A also includes a single electrical connector1206. The electrical connector 1206 connects to a receiving connector1208 in the line-cord device 104A. AC and/or DC power is transmittedfrom the line-cord device 104A to the wall plug device 106A via theelectrical connector 1206 and the receiving connector 1208. In someembodiments, communications, including control instructions and/or data,are transmitted from the line-cord device 104A to the wall plug device106A via the electrical connector 1206 and the receiving connector 1208.In one embodiment, the electrical connector 1206 is a 3-prong electricalplug. In other embodiments, other types of electrical connectors may beused.

The wall plug device 106A also includes a communication interface 1210.The communication interface 1210 is configured to communicate with acorresponding communication interface 1212 in the line-cord device 104A.In one embodiment, the communication interface 1210 is a femaleconnector, and the corresponding communication interface 1212 is a maleconnector configured to mate with the female connector. In oneembodiment, the corresponding communication interface 1212 is a foldablemale connector that folds down or to the side when not in use. In oneexample, the foldable male connector locks into place when in use.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 12-14, communications may be transmittedbetween the line-cord device 104A and the wall plug device 106A via thecommunication interfaces 1210 and 1212. Alternately, communications maybe transmitted via the electrical connector 1206.

It will be appreciated that one or more of the embodiments of FIGS. 4-11may be embodied in a line-cord device, a wall-plug device, the line-corddevice 104A of FIGS. 12-14, the detachable wall-plug device 106A ofFIGS. 12-14, each of the line-cord device 104A and the detachablewall-plug device 106A of FIGS. 12-14, or another device. Alternately,portions of the embodiments of FIGS. 4-11 may be embodied in thosedevices. Other examples exist.

FIGS. 15-22 depict other embodiments of an automatic sensing powersystem and/or an automatic power system. FIG. 15 depicts an embodimentin which line-cord devices 1502 and 1504 incorporate the automaticsensing power system.

FIG. 16 depicts another embodiment of an automatic sensing power system1602, including AC receptacles, DC receptacles, and a detachable module,such as the detachable wall plug device. FIG. 16 also depicts anexemplary embodiment of one type of electrical modular connector 1604that may be used in connection with the automatic sensing power system,including the receptacles, electrical cords, and/or connectors andadaptors.

FIG. 17 depicts an exemplary embodiment that incorporates an automaticsensing power system 1702 and 1704 in a device that may be plugged intoa vehicle receptacle.

FIG. 18 depicts another embodiment in which AC receptacles and DCreceptacles are used in a rack mount 1802 and a cabinet mount 1804automatic sensing power system.

FIGS. 19-22 depict various modular devices using the automatic sensingpower system. FIG. 19, for example, depicts a modular unit 1902installed in a wall 1904, such as a modular wall receptacle junction box1906. The modular wall receptacle junction box 1906 of FIG. 19 includesboth AC and DC modular receptacles 1908-1910 and 1912-1914,respectively.

FIG. 20 depicts removable modular receptacles that may be removablyinstalled in a modular wall receptacle junction box 1906. FIG. 20depicts various modules 2002-2008 that may be interchangeably placed ina modular wall receptacle junction box 1906.

FIG. 21 depicts other wall modules 2102-2108 that may be interchangeablyand removably installed in modular wall receptacle junction box 1906.The example of FIG. 21 includes an AC receptacle 2102 and DC receptacles2104-2108, each of which include a grounded indicator and/or a protectedindicator and/or an enabled or disabled indicator.

FIG. 22 depicts exemplary embodiments of modular power receptacles thatmay be installed in a modular wall receptacle junction box 1906. Each ofthe modular power receptacles may include a grounded indicator, aprotected indicator, and/or an enabled/disabled power indicator. Theexamples of FIG. 22 include a lighting module 2202, a battery rechargemodule 2204, a dimmer module 2206 for dimming control of the poweroutput from the dimmer module, and a DC power module 2208 with surgesuppression.

FIGS. 23-43 depict an exemplary embodiment of a user interface (UI)2302. The UI enables a user to determine if an electrical device isconnected to the ASPS. In the embodiment of FIGS. 23-43, an electricaldevice is referred to as an automatic sensing-direct current andautomatic synchronous-data communication (asDC) device, and the ASPS isreferred to as an intelligent power hub.

The UI enables a user to select the voltage to be transmitted from theASPS to an electrical device and to select the DC receptacle to which itwill be generated. The UI also enables a user to turn one or more ACreceptacles and/or DC receptacles on or off. For exemplary purposes, theUI of FIGS. 23-43 is directed to only one AC receptacle (identified asan AC port on the UI) and only one DC receptacle (identified as a DCport on the UI). However, other UIs may enable selection of multiple ACreceptacles and multiple DC receptacles.

Additionally, a computer is connected to the power hub through a USBconnection in the embodiments of FIGS. 23-43. The UI in this embodimentis generated through the host computer and displayable on the computer'sdisplay.

When the computer is not connected to the power hub, the UI indicatesthat no power hub is connected to the computer and no asDC device isconnected to the power hub, as depicted in FIG. 23. When the power hubis connected to the computer, the UI indicates that the power hub isconnected to the computer via the USB port, as depicted in FIG. 24.

As depicted in FIG. 25, when an asDC device is connected to the powerhub, a window is displayed with the status change. The user selects the“OK” button on the status change window, and the status change windowdisappears. In other embodiments, the status window briefly appears andautomatically disappears after a selected period of time. The asDCdevice status indicates that an asDC device was identified, as depictedin FIG. 26. The asDC device identification is specified by values in twofields, including a name or identity field and an operating voltagefield. In the example of FIG. 26, the name or identity field may containa string of up to forty characters. In this example, the device isidentified as an “asDC Motorola 730” having an operating voltage of 5.29volts DC. Other examples exist.

When the asDC device is disconnected from the power hub, a status changewindow is generated, as depicted in FIG. 27. The device status indicatesthat no asDC device is connected to the power hub, as indicated in FIG.28.

An electrical device that is not configured to communicate with thepower hub is referred to as a non-asDC device. If a non-asDC device isconnected to the power hub, a status change window indicates that thenon-asDC device is connected to the power hub, as indicated in FIG. 29.The status change window suggests that the user manually enable a DCreceptacle.

The user may select a voltage to be output to a selected DC receptacle,as depicted in FIG. 30. In this example, the user selected the voltagelevel to be output to the selected DC receptacle. The user then selectedthe “force asDC port ON” to set the DC receptacle to the selectedvoltage level.

The user may elect to turn the AC receptacle on or off, as depicted inFIG. 31. If the user selects the check box for “AC port on/off,” theuser may turn the receptacle on and off. When the AC receptacle isturned on, the power hub status window indicates that the AC port wasenabled.

If the user again selects the check box for the AC port on/off, the ACpower for the AC receptacle is turned off. The check mark from the checkbox disappears, and a new line is entered for the power hub statusindicating that the AC port is disabled, as depicted in FIG. 32.

As depicted in FIGS. 33-34, the user turns the power on for the DCreceptacle. In this example, the user selects a different voltage to beoutput to the DC receptacle. The user then selects the “force asDC portON” check box. A check mark appears in the check box to indicate thatthe power is being transmitted to the DC receptacle. In addition, a lineappears in the power hub status indicating that the DC port was forcedon, as depicted in FIG. 34. In this example, the status line alsoindicates the code for the voltage and/or the device name.

The user may select the check box for the DC port again to force the DCreceptacle off, as indicated in FIG. 35. A status line is generated tothe power hub status indicating that the DC port was forced off.

The UI enables the user to update the firmware on the power hub, asindicated by FIG. 36. The UI enables the user to select from an openfirmware option and a download firmware option. The open firmware optionmay be used to locate a file that is to be installed, as indicated inFIG. 37. The user selects the file to be opened, and the contents of thefile are checked for integrity. If the integrity check is successful, anintegrity check window appears and identifies the firmware as beingvalid, as indicated in FIG. 38. When the user selects the “OK” buttonfrom the integrity check status window, the firmware is opened anddownloaded.

If the user selects the download firmware option from the display ofFIG. 36, a status change window is generated indicating that thefirmware download is starting, as depicted in FIG. 39. If the downloadprocess is successful, a status change window is generated indicatingthat the download is complete, as depicted in FIG. 40.

When the firmware has been downloaded, the user may select the reset onthe power hub or cycle the power supply for the power hub bydisconnecting the power supply from the power hub and reconnecting it.The user may relaunch the UI if desired.

A third option from the advanced menu option from FIG. 36 enables a userto change a target configuration of an asDC enabled device. When theuser selects the change target configuration option from the menu, anupdate target properties window is generated for display, as depicted inFIG. 41. The user enters new values for the asDC device name and itsoperating voltage, as depicted in FIG. 42. When the asDC device isconnected to the power hub, the power hub recognizes the device and itsrequired operating voltage, as depicted in FIG. 43.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations from thespecific embodiments disclosed above are contemplated by the invention.The invention should not be restricted to the above embodiments, butshould be measured by the following claims.

1. A method for configuring alternating current (AC) power comprising:receiving the AC power through at least one connector of a power system,the power system comprising a plurality of direct current (DC)receptacles, a first communication system, at least one AC to DCregulator, at least one DC to DC regulator, and a first processor, theat least one connector selected from a group consisting of a line-cordand a plug; converting the AC power to DC power at the at least one ACto DC regulator; transmitting a communication from a secondcommunication system of an electrical device, the communicationcomprising configuration data that, when processed, identifies at leastone selected DC power level, the electrical device comprising a secondconnector; receiving the communication at the first communicationsystem; processing the communication at the first processor and, inresponse thereto, determining the selected DC power level anddynamically configuring the at least one DC to DC regulator todynamically convert the DC power to the selected DC power level;dynamically converting the DC power to the selected DC power level atthe at least one DC to DC regulator and generating the DC power at theselected DC power level for at least one DC receptacle, the selected DCpower level not initially preset; and receiving the DC power at theselected DC power level from the at least one DC receptacle at theelectrical device through the second connector.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein: the power system comprises at least one AC receptacle; and themethod further comprises conveying the AC power from the at least one ACreceptacle at an AC power level.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein: thepower system comprises a plurality of other DC to DC regulators, eachcorresponding to another one of the DC receptacles; and the methodfurther comprises: configuring each DC to DC regulator to convert the DCpower to another selected DC power level at the first processor; andconverting the DC power to the other selected DC power level at each DCto DC regulator and generating the DC power at the other selected DCpower level for a corresponding DC receptacle, the other selected DCpower levels not initially preset.
 4. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: generating the configuration data comprising anidentification of the selected DC power level at the electrical device;and processing the communication with the selected DC power levelidentification at the first processor and, in response thereto,configuring the at least one DC to DC regulator to convert the DC powerto the selected DC power level and generating the DC power at theselected DC power level for the at least one DC receptacle.
 5. Themethod of claim 1 wherein: the power system comprises memory comprisinga plurality of device identifications and corresponding DC power levels;and the method further comprises: generating the configuration data atthe electrical device, the configuration data comprising a particulardevice identification for the electrical device; and processing thecommunication with the particular device identification at the firstprocessor and, in response thereto, searching the memory to determinethe selected DC power level corresponding to the particular deviceidentification.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising: connectingthe at least one DC receptacle with the second connector from theelectrical device; and detecting the second connector connecting withthe at least one DC receptacle at the first processor and, in responsethereto, selecting the at least one DC receptacle to receive the DCpower at the selected DC power level.
 7. The method of claim 1 whereinthe power system comprises at least one member of another groupconsisting of a power strip, a rack mount system, a cabinet mountsystem, and a detachable device.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein theelectrical device comprises at least one member of another groupconsisting of a computer, a printer, a fax machine, a pocket PC, apersonal digital assistant, a phone, a camera, a recording device, anaudio device, a video device, and a drill.
 9. The method of claim 1further comprising receiving the communication in at least one formatselected from another group consisting of a universal serial bus format,a Bluetooth format, an Ethernet format, a Firewire format, a cableformat, a phone line format, a digital subscriber line service format,and an internet protocol format.
 10. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising receiving the communication through at least one member ofanother group consisting of a communication interface and the at leastone DC receptacle.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein: the power systemcomprises at least one modulator; and the method further comprises:receiving the communication from the at least one DC receptacle at theat least one modulator; and transmitting the communication from the atleast one modulator to the first processor for processing.
 12. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the selected DC power level comprises at leastone member of another group consisting of a selected voltage level and aselected current level.
 13. The method of claim 1 further comprising:generating a second communication from the power system for reception bythe electrical device, the second communication comprising status datafor the power system, the status data comprising at least one member ofanother group consisting of an operation of the power system, an eventlog of the power system, a disable of the at least one DC receptacle, anenable of the at least one DC receptacle, a state of the at least one DCreceptacle, a voltage setting for the at least one DC receptacle, acurrent setting for the at least one DC receptacle, a power setting forthe at least one DC receptacle, another communication received from theelectrical device, the communication received from the electricaldevice, a device identification received for the electrical device, theselected DC power level received for the electrical device, a powersurge, a critical event for the power system, a blown fuse, a blowncircuit, a fault, a process breakdown, and another circuit event for thepower system.
 14. The method of claim 1 further comprising: receivingthe AC power at the at least one connector from an electrical supply;and communicating at least one other communication through at least onetransfer method selected from a second group consisting of: transmittingthe at least one other communication to the power system through theelectrical supply; and receiving at the power system the at least oneother communication through the electrical supply.
 15. The method ofclaim 1 wherein: the power system comprises a receiving connector; andthe method further comprises: receiving the AC power at a detachabledevice through another connector configured to removably connect to atleast one second member of a second group consisting of the receivingconnector and a power source, the detachable device comprising at leastone other DC receptacle, at least one other AC to DC regulator, at leastone other DC to DC regulator, and another processor; converting the ACpower to other DC power at the at least one other AC to DC regulator;determining a second selected DC power level at the other processor andconfiguring the at least one other DC to DC regulator to convert theother DC power to the second selected DC power level; and converting theother DC power to the second selected DC power level at the at least oneother DC to DC regulator and generating the DC power at the secondselected DC power level for the at least one other DC receptacle, thesecond selected DC power level not initially preset.
 16. The method ofclaim 1 wherein: the power system comprises at least one other DC to DCregulator; and the method further comprises: transmitting a secondcommunication from a third communication system of a second electricaldevice, the second communication comprising second configuration datathat, when processed, identifies a second selected DC power level, thesecond electrical device comprising a third connector; receiving thesecond communication at the first communication system; processing thesecond communication at the first processor and, in response thereto,determining the second selected DC power level and configuring the atleast one other DC to DC regulator to convert the DC power to the secondselected DC power level; converting the DC power to the second selectedDC power level at the at least one other DC to DC regulator andgenerating the DC power at the second selected DC power level for atleast one other DC receptacle, the second selected DC power level notinitially preset; receiving the DC power at the second selected DC powerlevel from the at least one other DC receptacle at the second electricaldevice through the third connector.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein:the power system comprises at least one modulator; and the methodfurther comprises: receiving the second communication at the at leastone modulator from the at least one other DC receptacle; andtransmitting the second communication from the at least one modulator tothe first processor for processing.
 18. A method for configuringalternating current (AC) power comprising: receiving the AC power at apower system through at least one connector selected from a groupconsisting of a line-cord and a plug, the power system comprising afirst communication system, at least one direct current (DC) receptacle,at least one power converter, and a first processor; transmitting acommunication from a second communication system of an electricaldevice, the communication comprising configuration data that, whenprocessed, identifies at least one selected DC power level, theelectrical device comprising a second connector; receiving thecommunication at the first communication system; processing thecommunication at the first processor and, in response thereto,determining the selected DC power level and configuring the powerconverter to convert the AC power to DC power at the selected DC powerlevel; converting the AC power to the DC power at the selected DC powerlevel at the at least one power converter and generating the DC power atthe selected DC power level for the at least one DC receptacle, theselected DC power level not initially preset; and receiving the DC powerat the selected DC power level from the at least one DC receptacle at anelectrical device through the second connector.
 19. The method of claim18 further comprising: generating the configuration data comprising anidentification of the selected DC power level at the electrical device;processing the communication with the selected DC power levelidentification at the first processor and, in response thereto,configuring the power converter to convert the AC power to the DC powerat the selected DC power level; and generating the DC power at theselected DC power level for the at least one DC receptacle.
 20. Themethod of claim 18 wherein: the power system comprises memory comprisinga plurality of device identifications and corresponding DC power levels;and the method further comprises: generating the configuration data atthe electrical device, the configuration data comprising a particulardevice identification for the electrical device; and processing thecommunication with the particular device identification at the firstprocessor and, in response thereto, searching the memory to determinethe selected DC power level corresponding to the particular deviceidentification.
 21. The method of claim 18 further comprising:connecting the at least one DC receptacle with the second connector fromthe electrical device; and detecting the second connector connectingwith the at least one DC receptacle at the first processor and, inresponse thereto, selecting the at least one DC receptacle to receivethe DC power at the selected DC power level.
 22. The method of claim 18wherein: the power system comprises at least one other receptacleselected from another group consisting of at least one AC receptacle andat least one other DC receptacle; and the method further comprises:receiving the AC power transferred from the at least one connector atthe at least one AC receptacle; and conveying the DC power at anotherselected DC power level from the at least one other DC receptacle. 23.The method of claim 18 wherein the power system comprises at least onemember of another group consisting of a power strip, a rack mountsystem, a cabinet mount system, and a detachable device.
 24. The methodof claim 18 wherein the electrical device comprises at least one memberof another group consisting of a computer, a printer, a fax machine, apocket PC, a personal digital assistant, a phone, a camera, a recordingdevice, an audio device, a video device, and a drill.
 25. The method ofclaim 18 further comprising the communication receiving in at least oneformat selected from another group consisting of a universal serial busformat, a Bluetooth format, an Ethernet format, a Firewire format, acable format, a phone line format, a digital subscriber line serviceformat, and an internet protocol format.
 26. The method of claim 18further comprising receiving the communication through at least onemember of another group consisting of a communication interface and theat least one DC receptacle.
 27. The method of claim 18 wherein: thepower system comprises at least one modulator; and the method furthercomprises: receiving the communication at the at least one modulatorfrom the at least one DC receptacle; and transmitting the communicationfrom the at least one modulator to the first processor for processing.28. The method of claim 18 wherein the selected DC power level comprisesat least one member of another group consisting of a selected voltagelevel and a selected current level.
 29. The method of claim 18 furthercomprising: generating a second communication from the power system forreception by the electrical device, the second communication comprisingstatus data for the power system, the status data comprising at leastone member of another group consisting of an operation of the powersystem, an event log of the power system, a disable of the at least oneDC receptacle, an enable of the at least one DC receptacle, a state ofthe at least one DC receptacle, a voltage setting for the at least oneDC receptacle, a current setting for the at least one DC receptacle, apower setting for the at least one DC receptacle, another communicationreceived from the electrical device, the communication received from theelectrical device, a device identification received for the electricaldevice, the selected DC power level received for the electrical device,a power surge, a critical event for the power system, a blown fuse, ablown circuit, a fault, a process breakdown, and another circuit eventfor the power system.
 30. The method of claim 18 further comprising:receiving the AC power at the at least one connector from an electricalsupply; and communicating at least one other communication through atleast one transfer method selected from a second group consisting of:transmitting the at least one other communication to the power systemthrough the electrical supply; and receiving at the power system the atleast one other communication through the electrical supply.
 31. Themethod of claim 18 wherein: the power system comprises a receivingconnector; and the method further comprises: receiving the AC power at adetachable device through another connector configured to removablyconnect to at least one second member of a second group consisting ofthe receiving connector and a power source, the detachable devicecomprising at least one other DC receptacle, another power converter,and another processor; determining a second selected DC power level atthe other processor and configuring the other power converter todynamically convert the AC power to other DC power at the secondselected DC power level; and converting the AC power to the other DCpower at the second selected DC power level at the other power converterand generating the other DC power at the second selected DC power levelfor the at least one other DC receptacle, the second selected DC powerlevel not initially preset.
 32. The method of claim 18 wherein: thepower converter comprises at least one AC to DC regulator and at leastone DC to DC regulator; and the method further comprises: converting theAC power to the DC power at the at least one AC to DC regulator;configuring the at least one DC to DC regulator to convert the DC powerto the selected DC power level at the first processor; and convertingthe DC power to the selected DC power level at the at least one DC to DCregulator and generating the DC power at the selected DC power level forthe at least one DC receptacle.
 33. The method of claim 18 wherein: thepower system comprises at least one other DC receptacle; and the methodfurther comprises: receiving a second communication at the firstcommunication system, the second communication comprising secondconfiguration data that, when processed, identifies at least one secondselected DC power level; processing the second communication at thefirst processor and, in response thereto, determining the secondselected DC power level and configuring the power converter todynamically convert the AC power to DC power at the second selected DCpower level; converting the AC power to the DC power at the secondselected DC power level at the power converter and generating the DCpower at the second selected DC power level for the at least one otherDC receptacle, the second selected DC power level not initially preset;receiving the DC power at the second selected DC power level at a secondelectrical device through a third connector configured to receive the DCpower from the at least one other DC receptacle, the electrical devicecomprising a third communication system; and transmitting the secondcommunication received by the power system through the thirdcommunication system.
 34. The method of claim 33 wherein: the powersystem comprises at least one modulator; and the method furthercomprises: receiving the second communication at the at least onemodulator from the at least one other DC receptacle; and transmittingthe second communication from the at least one modulator to the firstprocessor for processing.
 35. A method for configuring alternatingcurrent (AC) power comprising: receiving the AC power through at leastone connector of a power system, the power system comprising a firstcommunication system, a plurality of DC receptacles, a power converter,and a first processor, the at least one connector selected from a groupconsisting of a line-cord and a plug; generating a communication at asecond processor of an electrical device, the communication comprisingconfiguration data that, when processed, identifies at least oneselected DC power level, the electrical device comprising a secondconnector and a second communication system, and the configuration datacomprising at least one member of another group consisting of the atleast one selected DC power level and a particular deviceidentification; transmitting a communication from the secondcommunication system; receiving the communication at the firstcommunication system; processing the communication at the firstprocessor and, in response thereto, determining the selected DC powerlevel based on the configuration data and configuring the at least onepower converter to convert the AC power to DC power at the selected DCpower level; converting the AC power to the DC power at the selected DCpower level at the at least one power converter and generating the DCpower at the selected DC power level for at least one DC receptacle, theselected DC power level not initially preset; and receiving the DC powerat the selected DC power level from the at least one DC receptacle atthe electrical device through the second connector.
 36. The method ofclaim 35 wherein the power system comprises at least one member ofanother group consisting of a power strip, a rack mount system, acabinet mount system, and a detachable device.
 37. The method of claim35 wherein the electrical device comprises at least one member ofanother group consisting of a computer, a printer, a fax machine, apocket PC, a personal digital assistant, a phone, a camera, a recordingdevice, an audio device, a video device, and a drill.
 38. The method ofclaim 35 wherein: the power system comprises at least one other DCreceptacle; and the method further comprises: generating a secondcommunication at a third processor of a second electrical device, thesecond communication comprising second configuration data that, whenprocessed, identifies at least one second selected DC power level, thesecond electrical device comprising a third connector and a thirdcommunication system; transmitting the second communication from thethird communication system; receiving the second communication at thefirst communication system; processing the second communication at thefirst processor and, in response thereto, determining the secondselected DC power level and configuring the at least one power converterto dynamically convert the AC power to DC power at the second selectedDC power level; converting the AC power to the DC power at the secondselected DC power level at the at least one power converter andgenerating the DC power at the second selected DC power level for the atleast one other DC receptacle, the second selected DC power level notinitially preset; and receiving the DC power at the second selected DCpower level from the at least one other DC receptacle at the secondelectrical device through the third connector.
 39. A method forconfiguring alternating current (AC) power comprising: receiving the ACpower through at least one connector of a power system, the power systemcomprising a plurality of direct current (DC) receptacles, a firstcommunication system, at least one AC to DC regulator, a plurality of DCto DC regulators, each corresponding to one of the DC receptacles, and afirst processor, the at least one connector selected from a groupconsisting of a line-cord and a plug; converting the AC power to DCpower at the at least one AC to DC regulator; generating a communicationat a second processor of an electrical device, the communicationcomprising configuration data that, when processed, identifies at leastone selected DC power level, the electrical device comprising a secondconnector and a second communication system, and the configuration datacomprising at least one member of another group consisting of the atleast one selected DC power level and a particular deviceidentification; transmitting the communication from the secondcommunication system; receiving the communication at the firstcommunication system; processing the communication at the firstprocessor and, in response thereto, determining the selected DC powerlevel and configuring at least one DC to DC regulator to convert the DCpower to the selected DC power level; converting the DC power to theselected DC power level at the at least one DC to DC regulator andgenerating the DC power at the selected DC power level for at least oneDC receptacle, the selected DC power level not initially preset; andreceiving the DC power at the selected DC power level from the at leastone DC receptacle at the electrical device through the second connector.40. The method of claim 39 wherein the power system comprises at leastone member of another group consisting of a power strip, a rack mountsystem, a cabinet mount system, and a detachable device.
 41. The methodof claim 39 wherein the electrical device comprises at least one memberof another group consisting of a computer, a printer, a fax machine, apocket PC, a personal digital assistant, a phone, a camera, a recordingdevice, an audio device, a video device, and a drill.
 42. The method ofclaim 39 wherein: the power system comprises at least one other DC to DCregulator; and the method further comprises: generating a secondcommunication at a third processor of a second electrical device, thesecond communication comprising second configuration data that, whenprocessed, identifies a second selected DC power level, the secondelectrical device comprising a third connector and a third communicationsystem; transmitting the second communication from the thirdcommunication; receiving the second communication at the firstcommunication system; processing the second communication at the firstprocessor and, in response thereto, determining the second selected DCpower level and configuring the at least one other DC to DC regulator toconvert the DC power to the second selected DC power level; convertingthe DC power to the second selected DC power level at the at least oneother DC to DC regulator and generating the DC power at the secondselected DC power level for at least one other DC receptacle, the secondselected DC power level not initially preset; and receiving the DC powerat the second selected DC power level from the at least one other DCreceptacle at a second electrical device through the third connector.43. A method for configuring alternating current (AC) power comprising:receiving the AC power through at least one connector of a power system,the power system comprising a plurality of direct current (DC)receptacles, at least one AC to DC regulator, a processor, and aplurality of DC to DC regulators, each DC receptacle configured toreceive a communication comprising configuration data that, whenprocessed, identifies at least one selected DC power level, each DC toDC regulator corresponding to one of the DC receptacles, and the atleast one connector selected from a group consisting of a line-cord anda plug; converting the AC power to DC power at the at least one AC to DCregulator; processing each communication at the processor and, inresponse thereto, determining a selected DC power level for eachcorresponding DC receptacle based on the configuration data andconfiguring each DC to DC regulator to convert the DC power to theselected DC power level for the corresponding DC receptacle; convertingthe DC power to the selected DC power level at each DC to DC regulatorfor the corresponding DC receptacle and generating the DC power at theselected DC power level for the corresponding DC receptacle, eachselected DC power level for each corresponding DC receptacle independentof other selected DC power levels for other corresponding DCreceptacles, each selected DC power level not initially preset; andreceiving the DC power at the selected DC power level from at least onecorresponding DC receptacle at an electrical device through a secondconnector.
 44. A method for configuring alternating current (AC) powercomprising: receiving the AC power through at least one connector of apower system, the power system comprising a plurality of direct current(DC) receptacles, at least one AC to DC regulator, a processor, acommunication system, and a plurality of DC to DC regulators, the atleast one connector selected from a group consisting of a line-cord anda plug, and each DC to DC regulator corresponding to one of the DCreceptacles; converting the AC power to DC power at the at least one ACto DC regulator; receiving a plurality of communications at thecommunication system, each communication comprising configuration datathat, when processed, identifies at least one selected DC power levelprocessing each communication at the processor and, in response thereto,determining a selected DC power level for each corresponding DCreceptacle based on the configuration data and configuring each DC to DCregulator to convert the DC power to the selected DC power level for thecorresponding DC receptacle; converting the DC power to the selected DCpower level at each DC to DC regulator for the corresponding DCreceptacle and generating the DC power at the selected DC power levelfor the corresponding DC receptacle, each selected DC power level foreach corresponding DC receptacle independent of other selected DC powerlevels for other corresponding DC receptacles, each selected DC powerlevel not initially preset; and receiving the DC power at the selectedDC power level from at least one corresponding DC receptacle at anelectrical device through a second connector.
 45. A method forconfiguring alternating current (AC) power comprising: receiving the ACpower through at least one connector of a power system, the power systemcomprising a plurality of direct current (DC) receptacles, at least oneAC to DC regulator, a processor, and at least one DC to DC regulator,the at least one connector selected from a group consisting of aline-cord and a plug, and wherein at least one DC receptacle isconfigured to receive a communication comprising configuration datathat, when processed, identifies at least one selected DC power level;converting the AC power to DC power at the at least one AC to DCregulator; transmitting the communication from a communication system ofan electrical device, the electrical device comprising a secondconnector; processing the communication at the processor and, inresponse thereto, determining a selected DC power level for the at leastone DC receptacle based on the configuration data and configuring the atleast one DC to DC regulator to convert the DC power to the selected DCpower level for the at least one DC receptacle; converting the DC powerto the selected DC power level at the least one DC to DC regulator forthe at least one DC receptacle and generating the DC power at theselected DC power level for the at least one DC receptacle, the selectedDC power level not initially preset; and receiving the DC power at theselected DC power level from the at least one DC receptacle at theelectrical device through the second connector.